Troubleshoot Compatibility Mode in Windows 11

Last update: 29/09/2025
Author Isaac
  • Restore the Compatibility tab and adjust modes, permissions, and DPI based on the app.
  • Update Windows 11 y drivers: Many bugs are known issues with a patch.
  • Identify false positives: Search, UAC, WUSA, or caches may simulate incompatibilities.
  • Check the Release Status for specific crashes, KBs, and fixes.

Troubleshoot compatibility issues in Windows 11

When an old app or game doesn't behave as it should in Windows 11, we often use the Compatibility mode to force behaviors from previous versions. Sometimes it works the first time, and other times it doesn't: missing tabs, certain functions crash, or there are side bugs that seem like incompatibilities but are actually known system issues or drivers. Here's a comprehensive guide to clear up any doubts and restore stability.

In addition to the classic compatibility tweaks (executable properties), there are registry changes, cumulative patches (KB), security locks, and even system services that are worth checking. We've gathered everything relevant: from how to recover the Compatibility tab if it disappears, even errors with Easy Anti-Cheat, audio drivers Intel SST, protected reproduction problems, NDI and more. Everything explained step by step and with context so you don't waste time.

Restore the Compatibility tab when it doesn't appear

If you miss the "Compatibility" tab when you open the properties of an executable, a directive may have set it. hidden by politicsThis problem is quickly fixed from the Windows Registry.

  • Opens Regedit (Win + R, type regedit and accept).
  • Navigate to: Equipo\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\AppCompatIf it doesn't exist, check that you are on the correct branch of Policies\Microsoft\Windows.
  • double click on DisablePropPage and change its value from 1 to 0.
  • Close the editor and reopen the properties of the executable: the Properties tab. Compatibility should be back.

This setting disables the policy that hides ownership, returning management of compatibility modes to the user. If your PC is part of an organization, it may be reapplied; check with IT if the lockout reappears.

Set Compatibility Mode Correctly

The classic form is still valid and useful for old apps or apps with erratic behavior. Keep it simple: the trick is to test and validate changes calmly to isolate the adjustment that fixes the fault.

  • Right click on the executable or shortcut, Properties > tab Compatibility.
  • Check "Run this program in compatibility mode for" and try Windows 8/7. For very legacy software, sometimes Windows 7 is the key option.
  • Activate "Run this program as administrator» if the software requires it (installers, system utilities, etc.).
  • Use “Change high DPI settings” if you see tiny or blurry interfaces on high-resolution displays.
  • If you experience crashes on startup, disable "Fullscreen Optimizations" in games or multimedia apps; sometimes avoid screenshots or loss of focus.

If after several tests there is no improvement, it is probably not a pure compatibility failure, but another system or hardware problem. ControllersIn that case, continue with the following sections.

Issues with Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC) in Windows 11 24H2

For months, some Windows 11 24H2 computers have been experiencing blue screens when loading games that use Easy Anti-Cheat (for example, Fortnite) with the error "Memory_Management". It did not affect everyone: it was more common in Intel 12th gen (Alder Lake) and vPro platforms, certain AMD Ryzen 5000/7000 configurations, and with EAC drivers April 2024.

Microsoft and Epic worked together and have released the fix in the patch. KB5062553 (July). Since then, update blocks have been lifted, and you can now move to 24H2 normally if you were stuck on 23H2. It's a good idea to run games that use EAC to download the latest drivers of the anti-cheat.

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Remember that Windows 11 support 23:2 ends on November 11, so updating is a priority. If you want to check your exact system edition, go to Settings > System > Information and check “Windows Specifications.”

  • Which games use EAC? Among others: Fortnite, Apex Legends, Rust, Tom Clancy's The Division 2, Rainbow Six Siege and War Thunder.
  • Does the patch affect performance? No; the performance It is equivalent to equipment that did not suffer from the problem.
  • How to upgrade to 24H2? Go to Settings> Windows Update and select “Get the latest updates as soon as they become available,” then tap “Check for updates.”

If you continue to see errors when launching games with EAC despite being updated, reinstall the anti-cheat components from the game itself and check that Windows displays the patch. July (or later) properly installed.

Windows 11 Compatibility Solution Guide

Common Windows 11 errors that are mistaken for incompatibilities

Sometimes we attribute an error to compatibility mode but the root is in updates, drivers, or settings. These are the most common cases and how to address them.

1) Windows Update errors (0x80070002, 0x800f081f)

They occur due to corrupted update files or a poor connection. Check the Problem Solver: Settings > System > Troubleshooter > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update, or download the update manually from Microsoft.

2) Blue Screens of Death (BSOD)

Typically, these are incompatible drivers, faulty hardware, or conflicting software. Update drivers from the Device administrator or the manufacturer's website. If it persists, use BlueScreenView to read the tipped over and locate the culprit.

3) Poor performance or CPU/RAM spikes

This could be due to background programs, visual effects, or lack of optimization. Disable effects In Settings > System > Display > Advanced settings, clear Boot and close processes that are triggered in the Task Manager.

4) Activation errors (0xc004f211, similar)

They usually appear after hardware changes or due to invalid keys. Check the license in Settings > System > Activation and if it is not resolved, contact official support.

5) File Explorer crashes

Crashes can be caused by third-party extensions or corrupted caches. Restart the process from the Task Manager or clear cache with “wsreset.exe” if you also have problems with Microsoft Store.

6) Incompatibilities with older hardware or apps

Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 y Secure Boot, and not all legacy software is ready. Use compatibility mode (Properties > Compatibility) or consider virtualize Windows 10 if the application is critical.

7) Unstable Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity

Update the network drivers and if it persists, run Reset network in Settings > Network & Internet > Status. Interference and outdated drivers are the usual culprits.

If any of these scenarios overwhelm you, consider going to a technical service Reliable; many specialized workshops can diagnose faulty drivers on the fly, and some third-party articles even recommend visiting stores like TecinfoBCN when the problem persists.

Windows Search Fails: Quick Fixes

When your browser isn't responding, fixing it prevents you from mistaking the error for an "incompatibility." Try these actions, which restore Search without touching your files.

  1. Restart the search process: open the Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to Details, locate SearchHost.exe, right-click, and click "End Task." Windows will launch it again when you perform another search.
  2. Run the solver Search and indexing: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Search and indexing > Run.
  3. Reset the search experience: Settings > Apps > Installed applications > find “Search” > three-dot menu > Advanced options > Reset.
  4. Install pending updates from Windows UpdateSeveral recent fixes improve search and its index.
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If after these steps the search engine remains the same, create a new user profile to rule out a damaged profile and reviews corporate policies that limit indexing.

Known issues affecting Windows 11 24H2 apps and services

Microsoft's official "Release Status" portal publishes open and resolved issues. Many appear to be app incompatibilities, but are actually system or driver regressionsWe highlight the most relevant ones and their status.

September 2025: Reproduction of protected content

After non-security update KB5064081 (08/29/2025) and later, some digital TV and Blu‑ray/DVD apps that use compliance video rendering HDCP o DRM audio files have protection errors, cuts, freezes or black screen. The streaming is not affected. Microsoft is working on the resolution for future updates in Windows 11 24H2.

August–September 2025: Unexpected UAC prompts with MSI fixes (CVE‑2025‑50173)

The August security update KB5063878 hardened UAC and caused admin credential prompts for MSI repairs (msiexec /fu), launching Autodesk apps, per-user installs, etc. The bug was also seen 1730 Office 2010 in standard accounts. Resolved in KB5065426 (09/09/2025): UAC now only triggers if the MSI contains elevated custom actions and there is a policy allowlist option for specific apps.

August 2025: NDI Performance in OBS and NDI Tools

After KB5063878 appeared micro-cuts and delays when using NDI (screenshot at source). Fixed in KB5065426 (09/09/2025). As a temporary workaround, NDI recommended using TCP or UDP instead of RUDP.

July–August 2025: Error events for CertificateServicesClient

With KB5062660 and later, Event Viewer displays ID 57 ("The Microsoft Pluton Cryptographic Service Provider failed to load...") on every reboot. This is harmless, does not impact running processes, and the fix is ​​automatically enabled with KB5064081 (08/29/2025) and following, with gradual deployment.

May–August 2025: WUSA fails from shared folders

Install updates with the Windows Update Standalone Installer (WUSA) or opening a .msu from a share with multiple .msu files may cause ERROR_BAD_PATHNAME after KB5058499 (05/28/2025). Workaround: Copy the .msu files. locally Before installing and after restarting, wait about 15 minutes for "Update History" to reflect the status. Mitigated via KIR; group policy available for managed environments.

June–July 2025: Parental Consent and Browsers

With Microsoft Family Safety web filtering, some unsupported browsers could temporarily appear unlocked when updating to new versions. Additionally, unexpected shutdowns were observed in Chrome and other apps when children attempted to open them without Activity Reports enabled. Mitigation: Enable Activity reports. Progressively fixed in the July preview release (KB5062660).

April 2025: Crash caused by sprotect.sys driver

Teams with the driver sprotect.sys (SenseShield) could freeze or display a blue/black screen. Microsoft applied compatibility lock For 24H2, it is recommended not to force the update using the Wizard or Media Creation Tool until SenseShield releases a fixed driver.

December 2024: Audio loss with Dirac Audio (cridspapo.dll)

A subset of devices with Dirac Audio and cridspapo.dll Lost speaker and Bluetooth output after installing 24H2. Backup was set and the vendor released updated driver. Windows Update. The hold was removed on 09/11/2025 and tagged as resolved on 09/22/2025. It may take Up to 48 hours in offering the update; restarting speeds up the offering.

October 2024: Camera apps stop responding

With 24H2, on devices with detection of faces or objects enabled, the Camera, Windows Hello, or other apps could crash. The safeguard was removed on 18/09/2025; install the latest security updates to get the fix.

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September 2024: Intel Smart Sound Technology (Intel SST)

On computers with Intel Core 11th gen and the driver «IntcAudioBus.sys» In versions 10.29.0.5152 or 10.30.0.5152, 24H2 could cause crashes. Workaround: Update the Intel SST driver to 10.29.00.5714 o 10.30.00.5714 (or later). The ideal is to do it via Windows UpdateAfter updating, please wait up to 48 hours for 24H2 to be offered; if not, speak to your OEM.

Wallpapers and customization apps

Some desktop customization apps were crashing in 24H2: background not showing, icons disappearing, broken preview, etc. There is a gradual deployment which allows you to continue the installation by uninstalling the app or updating it to a compatible version. The schedule depends on the pace of each developer.

Installing Windows 11 and Common Error Codes

If you are still migrating to 24H2, it is advisable to prepare the ground to minimize compatibility clashes, especially on fair hardware or with sensitive software.

  • Run the Windows Update troubleshooter before updating.
  • Temporarily disable your antivirus or security suite during installation.
  • Disconnect unnecessary peripherals (USB, docks) to reduce interference.
  • Free up account space: clean up temporary files, uninstall infrequently used apps, or move them large files to an external drive.
  • Have on hand a Bootable USB in case you need a clean install.

typical errors and solutions:

  • 0xC1900101: Driver conflict during installation. Update or roll back drivers, uninstall antivirus software, and remove external hardware.
  • 0 x 80070070: No space. Save gigabytes by deleting unnecessary files and emptying the trash and temporary files.
  • 0x80070002 0x20009: BCD blocks the update. Use "Advanced Boot Options" and fix it from the Symbol of the system.
  • Blue screen During or after installation: boot into safe mode, restore system, or update key drivers (chipset, GPU, audio, network).

Remember that Windows 11 is generally stable, but if a failure of those described occurs, following these steps concrete actions you will return to the ring without having to forma tear.

Where to check version status and ask for help

Microsoft maintains a page of Release status for Windows 11 24H2, where you'll see open issues, compatibility blocks, and their progress. From a Windows device, you can open the "Get Help" app or visit support.microsoft.com for immediate assistance.

If your PC is eligible, go to Settings > Windows Update and press "Check for updates." If it's ready, you'll see "Download and install Windows 11, version 24H2." If not, there may be a retention of protection due to incompatibility; the page itself tells you this and links to more information.

For IT administrators, in addition to the "Release Status" documentation, the API is available Windows What's New in Microsoft Graph to integrate the deployment status by programming. You can also report any problems through the app. Feedback Center.

The Version Status site is available in 11 languages ​​(English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish). If your browser doesn't support one of these languages, you'll see the content in EnglishYou can manually change the language from the footer.

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